Family Neighborhood Guide: Beverly

On the far South Side of Chicago you’ll find a tree-lined, residential neighborhood called Beverly. 

Beverly was the 72nd of the city’s 77 official community areas. Built around the Chicago and Rock Island railroad lines at the end of the 19th century, the neighborhood still has an old-school feel that can be seen in its architecture, thriving small businesses and tight-knit community. 

Ready for some Beverly fun facts? Today, Beverly is one of the most racially diverse neighborhoods in the city. It is home to the annual South Side Irish Parade and is also the only neighborhood in Chicago with a bit of hilly terrain 

On your next family day out, experience Beverly’s charm and history for yourself with these suggestions on where to eat, shop, play and explore with your kids. 

Getting there

Beverly is 12 miles south of downtown Chicago, located just west of where the Dan Ryan Expressway splits into I-57 and the Bishop Ford Expressway. The neighborhood is easily accessible by car via the expressways or U.S. Grant Memorial Highway. 

CTA commuters can take the red line south to 95th/Dan Ryan, then take either the 95 bus or a Pace bus the remainder of the trip. The 103 and 112 CTA buses also service the neighborhood. Metra commuters can access the neighborhood from five Metra stations along the Rock Island District line. 

Eat

Afro Joe’s Coffee and Tea

• Address: 1818 W. 99th St., Chicago

Stop by this neighborhood coffee shop to enjoy a craft coffee or specialty drink. Afro Joe’s is a community hub with extensive breakfast and lunch options that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. The coffee shop’s open, airy space makes it perfect for hosting a variety of events, from family-friendly movie nights to wine and art nights for adults. 

Ain’t She Sweet

• Address: 9920 S. Western Ave., Chicago

With food this fresh and delicious, you won’t even notice how healthy it is! Ain’t She Sweet specializes in better-for-you sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps, smoothies and sweets. Families with dietary restrictions will appreciate the variety of healthy options to choose from. 

Beverly Bakery

• Address: 10528 S. Western Ave., Chicago

Beverly Bakery has been family-owned for nearly 20 years. Whether you’re craving a sweet or need to pick up a large order of coffee cake, doughnuts or other goodies for a neighborhood event, Beverly Bakery has you covered. The cafe also offers a breakfast menu and take-and-bake frozen meals. 

Fox’s Restaurant & Pub

• Address: 9956 S. Western Ave., Chicago

Enjoy real Chicago pizza (tavern cut) at this old-school pizza joint. Order the specialty Reuben rolls (wonton wrappers stuffed with corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese) or try loaded waffle fries, chicken wings and other classic appetizers. The restaurant also offers a selection of local Italian food and rotating specials. 

Franconello

• Address: 10222 S. Western Ave., Chicago

For a special night in Beverly, dine at Franconello. The old-school Italian eatery has been a neighborhood staple for more than 25 years. Treat your family to a classic Italian meal. With menu options that include steak, pork chops, sausage, veal, seafood and plenty of pasta dishes, you’re sure to find something that everyone in the family will love. 

Horse Thief Hollow 

• Address: 10426 S. Western Ave., Chicago

Take the kids to dinner and order a beer brewed right in the neighborhood. There’s plenty to love about this family-owned brewpub, from the craft beers to the elevated bar food to the barbecue, but your kids will love it for the kids and dessert menus. Mini pulled pork sliders and beignets, anyone? 

Nicky’s of Beverly

• Address: 10500 S. Western Ave., Chicago

Classic Chicago comfort food just got a facelift. The casual eatery has favorites like gyros, Italian beef, jumbo shrimp and gelato, and they also have vegan versions of nearly every menu item. Finish your meal with handspun gelato or Italian ice. 

Ken’s on Western

• Address: 10522 S. Western Ave., Chicago

For a family dinner at a family-owned restaurant, you need to eat at Ken’s on Western. The upscale American restaurant has a menu with everything from ribeyes and lamb chops to frog legs and Brussels sprouts, but regulars love this local spot for the service and daily specials. Plus, there’s a kids menu! 

Open Outcry Brewing Company 

• Address: 10934 S. Western Ave., Chicago

Compared to many of the other restaurants up and down Western, Open Outcry Brewing Company is the new kid on the block. Opened in 2017, the brewpub offers families woodfired pizzas, hearty sandwiches and delicious snacks to pair with its craft brews. What we love best about the brewery is its rooftop patio, which earned a spot on our roundup of the best kid-friendly patio and rooftop restaurants in Chicagoland. 

The Original Rainbow Cone

• Address: 9233 S. Western Ave., Chicago

After you’ve eaten your way through Beverly, you have one last stop: The Original Rainbow Cone. The signature cone features five flavors (chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio and orange sherbet) that are sliced (not scooped) together on a cone. If you’re unsure about this yummy combo of flavors, the ice cream shop offers plenty of other flavors ranging from classic to indulgent. 

Shop

95th Street Farmers Market

• Address: 1827 W. 95th St., Chicago

Shop small and support local at the 95th Street Farmers Market. The market is open on Sundays from May through November and offers fresh food, baked goodies and products from a variety of farmers, bakers, artisans, small business owners and more. 

Belle Up Boutique

• Address: 1915 W. 103rd St., Chicago

Whether you need a new outfit for work or a special occasion, maternity clothes or accessories, Belle Up carries a wide selection of on-trend women’s clothing to fit your needs and style. The small business has been helping women find outfits that make them feel beautiful since 2009. 

Beverly Bike and Ski

• Address: 9121 S. Western Ave., Chicago

Beverly Bike and Ski has been a sporting fixture in the neighborhood for more than 100 years! Take your bicycle in for a tune-up before you hit the trails at the nearby Dan Ryan Woods, or browse their selection of bikes and winter sports gear. 

Beverly Phono Mart

• Address: 1808 W. 103rd St., Chicago

Introduce your kiddos to the hobby of collecting analog music at Beverly Phono Mart. The record store sells new and used records across a variety of genres. Not interested in the nostalgia of record collecting anymore? Beverly Phono Mart buys records, too! 

Beverly Records

• Address: 11612 Western Ave., Chicago

Beverly Records has been spinning the soundtrack to the neighborhood since 1967. The shop specializes in rare and vintage vinyl, but they also repair turntables, stock Record Store Day releases and sell a mix of other music-related books, treasures and memorabilia. 

Bookie’s 

• Address: 10324 S. Western Ave., Chicago

Find your next bedtime story or new favorite book at Bookie’s. Young readers can curl up in the kids reading nook while parents browse both new and used books. The independent bookstore hosts many community events for readers of all ages. 

Haven 1890

• Address: 2501 W. 103rd St. Suite 101, Chicago

If you’re a pro at going into a store for one item and leaving with an entire shopping basket, you’ll love Haven 1890! The store carries unique home decor, bright accessories, fun gifts for all ages, specialty toys and more. 

Root Consignment Company

• Address: 1913 W. 103rd St., Chicago

We all love a great deal, but some thrift stores and consignment shops can feel cluttered and dirty. Elevate your second-hand shopping experience at Root Consignment Company. The shop carries a carefully curated selection of clothing, furniture, home goods, art, accessories and more. 

Sweet Freaks Chicago

• Address: 9927 S. Wood St., Chicago

Chocolate tastes a lot sweeter when you get it from a family-owned and -operated shop. Find out for yourself by picking up a handcrafted treat. 

Play

Beverly Arts Center

• Address: 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago

Take a class in dance, music, theater or other visual arts at Beverly Arts Center. The organization holds seasonal art camps for kids and hosts theatrical and musical performances for the entire family. 

Beverly Park Playground

• Address: 2460 W. 102nd St., Chicago

After a day of dining and shopping, get the wiggles out at this turf-lined playground. The playground offers plenty of opportunities for kids to climb and slide, and there’s also a small water feature to cool off on hot days. 

Kennedy Park Playground

• Address: 11320 S. Western Ave., Chicago

If you’re on the south side of the neighborhood, let loose at Kennedy Park playground. The small playground has features for kids of all ages. 

Explore

Dan Ryan Woods

• Address: 87th Street and South Western Avenue

Hike, bike, play and explore at Dan Ryan Woods. The massive forest preserve offers walking trails, a sledding hill, sports and play fields and a Nature Play Garden where kids can climb and run. 

The Givins Castle 

• Address: 10255 S. Seeley Ave., Chicago

Proudly referred to as Chicago’s Only Castle, The Givins Castle was built in the late 19th century and was home to five different owners. Visit the castle and spot other historic homes on Longwood Drive Historic District. 

Ridge Historical Society

• Address: 10621 S. Seeley Ave., Chicago

Beverly may have been one of the last neighborhoods to be recognized as an official Chicago community area, but its history is just as long and rich as anywhere else in the city. Learn more about Beverly and its adjacent neighborhoods at the Ridge Historical Society. The historical society hosts family-friendly events throughout the year.

What is your family’s favorite spot in Beverly? Let us know in the comments! 

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